Volunteer Voices: Penicuik Storehouse
As part of the National Volunteer Recruitment Campaign, we aim to promote volunteering by highlighting the experiences of volunteers in Midlothian. By looking at their journeys into volunteering and the impact it has had on their lives, we hope to inspire potential future volunteers.
We’re excited to share a range of stories from volunteers at Penicuik Storehouse. They are a community-owned cooperative with a mission to bring the community together, to promote sustainable living, and to encourage healthy eating for all.
“The staff are lovely, friendly, and always grateful for the volunteers.”
Jackie
Volunteer at Penicuik Storehouse
“My name is Jackie. I am 57 years old and I volunteer in the shop at the Penicuik Storehouse. I started volunteering here almost one year ago and I love it. I decided to begin volunteering after having to stop work some years ago due to chronic illness. I became quite isolated and wanted to give something back when I felt well enough.
Although it can be stressful when busy, everyone takes a laid-back approach which is great. They put your needs as priority. For example, I struggle with fatigue and pain. I only have to request, and help is always there. A seat, a coffee, a wee break.
What I enjoy most is the socialising. Meeting new people and chatting. The staff are lovely, friendly, and always grateful for the volunteers. What I have experienced personally from volunteering is my self-esteem returning and a build-up of confidence generally.
I would highly recommend to anyone thinking of volunteering to do so at the Penicuik Storehouse. It really is a lovely place to work”.
Although it can be stressful when busy, everyone takes a laid-back approach which is great. They put your needs as priority. For example, I struggle with fatigue and pain. I only have to request, and help is always there. A seat, a coffee, a wee break.
What I enjoy most is the socialising. Meeting new people and chatting. The staff are lovely, friendly, and always grateful for the volunteers. What I have experienced personally from volunteering is my self-esteem returning and a build-up of confidence generally.
I would highly recommend to anyone thinking of volunteering to do so at the Penicuik Storehouse. It really is a lovely place to work”.
Alan
Volunteer at Penicuik Storehouse
“I started at the Storehouse with no idea what it was about. All I wanted was to keep on helping within my community. Heck, I thought I would only do a couple of hours a week then I was asked if I could do the Community Lunch.
I thought sure and it was chaos. I had no idea. But I was helped and learned and Iove the challenge and buzz of cooking for our customers’ community. I love trying to think of new recipes”.
I thought sure and it was chaos. I had no idea. But I was helped and learned and Iove the challenge and buzz of cooking for our customers’ community. I love trying to think of new recipes”.
Louise
Volunteer at Penicuik Storehouse
“I have been volunteering at Penicuik Storehouse for almost 2 years. The reason I started volunteering at the Storehouse was to get out of the house and meet people. When volunteering, I work on the till and serve customers. Recently I have learned how to write down customer orders for the café.
I have gained confidence since volunteering at the Storehouse and like to try new things. I like meeting new people and also new staff too and I love to work on the till with my buddy and like to see my pal from Bonnyrigg too.
I would recommend volunteering at the Storehouse. My advice is, ‘Try your best and have fun with it!’”
I have gained confidence since volunteering at the Storehouse and like to try new things. I like meeting new people and also new staff too and I love to work on the till with my buddy and like to see my pal from Bonnyrigg too.
I would recommend volunteering at the Storehouse. My advice is, ‘Try your best and have fun with it!’”